Root Canal Treatments
This effective treatment can save teeth endangered by injury and avoid the need for a dental implant or bridge.
At the centre of your tooth is the dental pulp, a collection of blood vessels that helped to build the surrounding tooth.
Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated necessary dental procedures.
Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible tooth damage or swelling of the surrounding gums, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.
Root canal treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
FAQ’S
When is a root canal required?
Root canal treatment (or endodontics) is required when there is an infection or injury deep within your tooth usually caused by a cavity or trauma. You may not experience any pain or discomfort during the early stages of an infection, if left untreated, this kind of infection can not only be very painful, but can lead to a tooth abscess or even tooth loss. Other signs that the tooth nerve is damaged is your tooth changing colour and darkening.
Signs that you may need a root canal
- Serious toothache when eating, or when you put pressure on the tooth. Does it hurt when you bite down hard?
- Excessively sensitive teeth. Does the sensitive pain linger after the initial contact with hot or cold foods or drinks?
- Darkening of your tooth. Has your tooth changed colour? This may be a sign of the nerve dying.
- A small bump on the gum, close to the painful tooth.
- Tender or swollen gums around the tooth.
What does treatment involve?
The aim of the treatment is to remove all the infection from the root canal. Your Mullan Gallagher dentist will use specially designed tools to remove the infected tissue, clean and shape the root canal. Once it is clean and dry, a rubber compound is used to fill the tooth where the root canal tissue previously was.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. It is usually very successful, however, if the infection comes back, the treatment can sometimes be repeated.
Can I avoid a root canal?
Root canal treatment can be avoided by practicing good dental care. Regular visits to your Mullan Gallagher dentist for check-ups mean that your dentist can pick up on any problems you may not have noticed. They will check any current fillings or crowns for damage or cracks. By treating issues in the early stages you can avoid infections and further complications that could ultimately lead to endodontic treatment.
Tooth decay is one of the common reasons for root canal infections. You can keep tooth decay at bay by brushing and flossing regularly, chewing sugar-free gum between meals and reducing the amount of fizzy drinks and sugar in your diet.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact Mullan Gallagher Dental Caretoday to see if you require root canal treatment.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment has a historical reputation for being painful. AtMullan Gallagher Dental Care we use modern techniques and anaesthetics, and most painful report that they’re comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if you had pain or infection before the procedure. This can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your Mullan Gallagher Dentist will give you detailed instructions about how to relieve any pain.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain, pressure, or pain that lasts more than a few days, contact your Mullan Gallagher dentist.
What happens after root canal treatment?
Teeth which have had root canal treatment can be weaker so your Mullan Gallagher dentist will recommend an onlay or a crown (hyperlink to relevant section of website) to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Following restoration, root-treated teeth should be looked after just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks, and have them only at mealtimes if possible. See your Mullan Gallagher Dentist as often as they recommend for regular check-ups.
